The second annual Berks County 4-H Club Benefit Barrow will help a Kempton father of five who is battling leukemia.
Ethan Kunkel, who is Kempton Fire Company deputy chief and involved in Berks County 4-H Dairy and Livestock clubs, was recently diagnosed with leukemia. A minor 4-wheeler accident on his Kempton farm led to the discovery of his illness.
“The second annual Benefit Barrow is being raised this year to show our support for the Ethan Kunkel family of Kempton. We’re all pulling for Ethan,” said Michele Brown, Assistant Swine Club Leader of the Berks County 4-H Swine Club. “Just a well organized, hard-working family that contributes to the agricultural community. We wish them the best of luck.”
Kunkel is a member of Virginville Grange, Kempton and Kutztown Rod and Gun clubs and New Bethel Church in Kempton. He is also involved in the Kempton Community Center and served as Dairy Superintendent at the 2017 Kempton Fair. The Kunkel family was recognized by Reading Fair and Berks County Grange as the 2015 Berks County Outstanding Farm Family.
Brown said the idea for the Berks County 4-H Club Benefit Barrow was inspired by the Erie County Charity Hog. “I thought it would be a good idea to bring it to Berks.”
Last year’s Benefit Barrow raised more than $14,000 for the family of Bret Hansley Jr., who was killed in a motorcycle accident in April 2016.
The Swine Club voted to make the Ethan Kunkel family of Kempton the beneficiary for this year’s Benefit Barrow. Brown noted that the oldest Kunkel daughter is a member of the Swine Club.
“The barrow, all feed, veterinary certificate, and processing fees are all being donated by various members of the community,” said Brown.
The barrow will be raised by Fleetwood resident Zaren Kerper, an FFA member who graduated from Oley Valley High School.
The barrow was donated by Carl Rabenold and family in Kutztown. The feed is being donated by K&K Feeds in Richland and Reifsnyder’s Ag Center in Bernville.
The barrow will be on display at the Kutztown Fair the week of Aug. 14 and will sell during the Round-Up Sale, following the Champion and Reserves, on Saturday, Aug. 19, at the Kutztown Fairgrounds. Shares are available in $25 increments for those who would like to participate but not bid in the auction.
